Uric Acid
Crystals

Menstuff® has compiled the following information on Uric Acid
Crystals.

Click for
picture

Uric acid is a substance that results from the breakdown of
purines or waste products in the body. If the body increases its
production of uric acid or if the kidneys do not eliminate enough
uric acid from the body, levels build up (a condition called
hyperuricemia). Hyperuricemia may also result when a person eats too
many high-purine foods, such as liver, dried beans and peas,
anchovies, and gravies. Hyperuricemia is not a disease and by itself
is not dangerous. However, if excess uric acid crystals form as a
result of hyperuricemia, gout can develop. The excess crystals build
up in the joint spaces, causing inflammation. Deposits of uric acid,
called tophi, can appear as lumps under the skin around the joints
and at the rim of the ear. In addition, uric acid crystals can also
collect in the kidneys and cause kidney stones.

Uric acid crystallizes in the orthorombic system. Uric acid
crystals can appear under several shapes. The classic crystals are
thin rhombus shaped plates with more or less eroded tops. The other
forms are the hexagonal plate, the needle and the rosette.

Uric acid crystals usually have a characteristic yellow color. The
intensity of the color depends on the thickness of the crystal, thus
very thin plates seem colorless, while the massive crystals have a
color that tends to be brown. Under polarized light, uric acid shows
a polarization color, and with thicker crystals, a series of
concentric black lines. The color variation seen under polarized
light is quite typical of uric acid.

With rare exceptions, uric acid crystals are of little clinical
value and represent a punctual situation.